International observers at the recent Exercise KAKADU in Darwin made time to appreciate Australia’s military and cultural history, touring the Darwin Military Museum and Second World War Oil Storage Tunnels.

From hunting submarines by moonlight to engaging and defeating surface and air targets by day, HMAS Warramunga is proving to be a highly potent warship as she continues to participate in Exercise KAKADU 16 and lead Combined Task Group 628.1.

Published on September 23, 2016 by LSIS Jayson Tufrey (author and photographer)

Members of Her Majesty's Papua New Guinean Ship (HMPNGS) Moresby ship's company are debriefed by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Collen Yaperth (centre), while Chief Petty Officer Paul Norton observes, after a fire exercise during Exercise Kakadu 2016.

HMA Ships Glenelg, Albany and Armidale have been spending time sailing in-company with our closest Commonwealth neighbours in the Arafura Sea as part of Exercise KAKADU.

Conducting officer-of-the-watch-manoeuvres with warships from four other nations is a daunting prospect even for the most experienced ship handler. The exercise requires an officer to drive a ship at high speeds and at close quarters around other vessels.

Behind the action unfolding at sea off the coast of northern Australia as part of Exercise KAKADU, Exercise Director, Captain Nick Woodley, ensures the coordination allows all units involved to meet the exercise’s objectives.

Air Combat Officer, Flying Officer Kerri Bartsch from No 10 Squadron AP-3C Orion Crew No 3 works at her sensor station during an Anti Submarine Warfare mission on Exercise Kakadu 2016.

P-3C Orion aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Pakistan Navy are exercising their anti-submarine warfare capabilities with the Royal Australian Navy as they participate in Exercise KAKADU 2016.

The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force and the Royal Australian Navy held a memorial service during the harbour phase of Exercise KAKADU to commemorate the lives lost in Darwin by both sides during the Second World War.